Kevin and Kyle are back together on Atomic Construction after a few weeks away, and this conversation is a reminder of why they make such a strong team. Kyle shares what life has been like balancing newborn chaos at home with leading multiple high-stakes construction projects, and how he is learning that life moves in seasons. He talks about what it takes to deliver complex builds under pressure, the safety wins his team has celebrated, and why trust is the real foundation of any successful project.

Kevin opens up about the cultural challenges of scaling his own company, the lessons in leadership he is living out daily, and the balance between hitting financial goals and building a workplace people love. Together they explore the unconventional realities of building core and shell structures while designing interiors on the fly, the two-in-a-box leadership model at Leighton, and how clarity between project managers and superintendents can make or break a job.

Kyle also takes Kevin inside his Notion setup — a project operating system that centralizes roadblocks, risk logs, procurement, and leadership dashboards in one place. He explains why moving beyond spreadsheets gave him a two-hundred percent productivity boost and why a second brain is essential for managing growth and big vision.

This episode is a mix of personal updates, practical tools, and honest reflections on leadership, culture, and the future of construction.

In this episode

• Kyle on newborn life and leading major projects under pressure

• How Leighton’s two-in-the-box model keeps PMs and Supers aligned

• The importance of trust in unconventional project delivery

• Kevin’s story of transforming numbers and now rebuilding culture

• Why clarity on risk, roadblocks, and roles matters more than perfect plans

• How Kyle uses Notion as a project operating system and second brain

• Lessons on productivity, conflict resolution, and leadership in construction

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Hohe sits down with financial strategist Patrick Shurney to talk about the numbers behind building a thriving construction business. Patrick shares how understanding seven key financial metrics can transform contractors from simply working harder to actually building wealth.

Patrick explains why contractors often underperform despite high revenue, and how shifting mindset, tightening bookkeeping, and creating a clear roadmap can help business owners scale sustainably. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers, having a three year plan, and seeking outside perspective to avoid blind spots.

The conversation also touches on mentorship, the realities of coaching, and the balance between execution and strategy. Patrick reminds us that success is less about grinding and more about clarity, action, and building systems that last.

In this episode

• The seven numbers every contractor needs to track

• Why most construction businesses leave profit on the table

• The role of mindset in breaking through financial ceilings

• How good bookkeeping can change the trajectory of a company

• The difference between a coach, a bookkeeper, and a fractional CFO

• Why action beats perfection when it comes to financial planning

• Patrick’s favorite client success stories and what they teach us

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin Hohe is joined by Megan Shapiro, construction attorney, partner at Rudoslavich Shapiro, and founder of Construction Contract Coach. Megan takes us through her journey from criminal law to finding her passion in construction law and why she chose to represent the trades when so many lawyers side with GCs, owners, or insurance companies.

Megan breaks down the realities of civil litigation, the pitfalls of insurance-appointed counsel, and how the system often stacks the deck against subcontractors. She also shares practical strategies for reviewing and redlining contracts, explains her OWN framework for negotiation, and makes the case for why trade contractors hold more power than they realise at the bargaining table.

This is a candid, eye-opening conversation about law, fairness, and what it takes to protect your business in a litigious industry.

Key Takeaways:

• How Megan carved out a career in construction law despite early pushback
• Why she believes most subcontractors underestimate their negotiating power
• The difference between insurance-appointed defense attorneys and true construction attorneys
• How to spot red, orange and yellow flags in contracts and use them strategically
• Why retention is one of the most harmful practices in construction
• The importance of proactive business setup, not just reacting when things go wrong
• Why treating trades as true partners is the only way forward for the industry
• 
  

Megan’s story is proof that contracts are not just paperwork, they are tools of leverage, protection and empowerment.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin Hohe welcomes veteran and business owner John La Giglia, co-founder of Chicago Fire Protection. From serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to co-founding a company that now employs nearly 100 people, John’s story is one of grit, perseverance and the power of community.

John shares how his military service shaped his leadership, how the Helmets to Hard Hats program helped him transition into the trades and why integrity and camaraderie matter just as much as skill on the job site. He opens up about starting a business with his brother-in-law from his in-laws’ computer room, pushing through near financial collapse, and what it takes to keep growing while staying true to your values.

This conversation is a reminder that construction is more than concrete and contracts. It is about people, purpose and leaving the world better than you found it.

Key Takeaways:

• How military discipline and leadership translate into business success
• The role of Helmets to Hard Hats in creating opportunities for veterans
• Why grit, sacrifice and family support are crucial for entrepreneurs
• The importance of mentorship and creating career paths for young people in the trades
• Integrity and respect as the foundation of long-term success in construction

Whether you’re in the trades, leading a team or building your own business, John’s story will inspire you to push through challenges and focus on what really matters.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Atomic Construction, Kevin is joined by Paul Wende, Business Manager of Chicago’s Local 63 Ironworkers Union, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the real state of the trades.

From navigating outdated perceptions of unions to expanding fence work across the country, Paul brings sharp insight, heart, and a healthy dose of grit.

Together, they unpack:

• The surprising truth behind union “mob” myths
• Why fence work is the most underestimated trade in construction
• How contractors and unions can (finally) work as partners
• What "right to work" really means—and why it matters
• And how Local 63 is reshaping the path from high school to high-paying union careers

Whether you’re boots-on-the-ground or behind a desk, this episode pulls back the curtain on the politics, power, and people shaping the construction world.

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe sits down with Sean Du Fosse for a raw conversation about the real challenges that come with building a meaningful career in construction.

Together they dig into what it means to build resilience, why having a clear sense of purpose matters when times get tough and how asking better questions can make you a stronger leader.

From navigating tough decisions to finding the grit to keep going when projects, and life, don’t go to plan, Sean’s insights remind us that construction is about more than tools and concrete. It’s about the people who choose to show up, push through and build something better every day.

Takeaways:

• Sean’s journey through fear, uncertainty and professional growth
• How purpose keeps you steady when projects get challenging
• Why grit and resilience are non-negotiable in the construction industry
• The power of asking better questions on and off the job site
• How to find meaning in the everyday grind of the trades
• What good leadership looks like when you’re facing tough calls
• Why community and support make the difference when things get hard
• Lessons learned from failures and what they teach about moving forward
• Building a culture where honesty and courage thrive
• Sean’s advice for young tradespeople and leaders who want to build better

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe and Kyle Nitchen sit down with Scott Kimpland for an honest conversation about what it really takes to lead well in the construction industry.

Scott shares stories from his career, the lessons he’s learned about putting people first, and why culture is the backbone of any successful project.

Kevin, Kyle and Scott dig into the everyday challenges that leaders face on site, from aligning teams to managing conflict, and why clear communication and genuine care can make all the difference. They also touch on what the industry still gets wrong about leadership and how the next generation can raise the bar by focusing on trust, accountability and respect.

Whether you’re managing your first crew or running a multi-million dollar build, this conversation is a reminder that good construction isn’t just about bricks and budgets, it’s about people.

Takeaways:

• Scott’s early days in construction and what shaped his leadership style
• Why culture beats strategy when it comes to team performance
• How to align project goals with people’s strengths
• The importance of clear, honest communication on every job
• Lessons on handling conflict without damaging trust
• How to balance productivity with people’s well-being
• What younger leaders need to know about accountability and respect
• Why investing in people pays off more than any short-term fix
• Scott’s thoughts on what the construction industry still needs to get right
• Practical advice for leaders who want to build better and lead with heart

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Atomic Construction Podcast, Kevin Hohe talks with Cesar Barbosa about his inspiring journey from being a Mexican-American immigrant to becoming a successful electrician and founder o of NuLife Power Services.

Cesar shares how trade education, discipline and faith shaped his path, and why he believes mentorship is the key to lifting up the next generation of tradespeople.

They discuss the practical challenges of building a business in the trades, the importance of updating aging solar systems and how Cesar’s company is bridging technical solutions with community impact. This conversation is also a call for unity, reminding listeners that in a divided world, we need bridges and walls, profit and purpose, and above all, people who give back.

Takeaways:

• Cesar’s story from immigrant roots to electrical business owner
• Trade education can open doors to strong, fulfilling careers
• Hard work and discipline matter more than shortcuts
• Entrepreneurship in the trades brings real challenges and real rewards
• Mentorship helps young people succeed in construction and electrical work
• Faith is at the heart of Cesar’s business and life philosophy
• Community support fuels growth, personally and professionally
• Nu Life Power focuses on fixing and upgrading aging solar systems
• Cesar believes unity and understanding are vital in a divided world
• Continuous learning and self-improvement keep tradespeople moving forward

Stay connected:

• Kevin Hohe | LinkedIn

And let us know what you think with our feedback form.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production.

Produced by Pineapple Audio Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.